A refreshing and flavorful dish combining orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto for a perfect meal.
Author:Emma Rossi
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Boiling and Mixing
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
170 g orzo pasta, uncooked (may use gluten-free pasta if preferred)
3 heaping tablespoons pesto (ensure dairy-free if vegan)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cucumber, diced
50 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned (add 1 tablespoon reserved sun-dried tomato oil for additional flavor if desired)
50 g feta cheese, crumbled (use dairy-free alternative if vegan)
30 g arugula leaves
160 g cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2–3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente following package instructions, ensuring the pasta retains a firm texture.
While the orzo is cooking, dice the cucumber and finely chop the fresh parsley.
Once the orzo is cooked, drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to arrest cooking and prevent clumping.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled orzo, pesto, olive oil, diced cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, arugula, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Toss gently to integrate all ingredients. Taste and adjust with sea salt and black pepper as needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before serving for enhanced flavor.
Notes
For a vegan option, ensure to use dairy-free feta and pesto.
You may add extra sun-dried tomato oil for more flavor.